Reshaping Jade Bonsai Help

[illdes]

Hello,

I'm new to this forum and still a novice in the world of bonsai, but I'm hooked. I've been growing a dwarf jade bonsai for a few years now. I've been slowly trying to shape and wire it as I've learned more about balance and the "rules of bonsai". I'm trying to create a classic bonsai look with alternating pads. I'm debating on removing the second branch on the left which is a parallel branch with the leading branch.

I'd love to hear some of your opinions on how it looks, and if there were any suggestions or changes that you would make to the overall appearance of the tree.

Thank you in advance!

- David

 

[Carol 83]

I have never wired a jade but I guess some do. Being a succulent, I would think the wire would bite in quickly. I would cut off the third branch on the left and cut the top off slightly above those branches. You could use the top to make a bunch of cuttings.

 

[illdes]

I have never wired a jade but I guess some do. Being a succulent, I would think the wire would bite in quickly. I would cut off the third branch on the left and cut the top off slightly above those branches. You could use the top to make a bunch of cuttings.

Depends on the gauge of the wire you use and how tightly you wrap it. You can definitely damage the tree if not done correctly. The third branch on the left is actually a back branch. I think removing some off the top might be a good idea though. I may let it grow out a bit since I just gave it a big pruning.

 

[dbonsaiw]

I think the trunk is looking nice. Wire will cut in, but I've found these guys heal up pretty well and fast. You can also try using the wire as guy wire and just pull the branch in the direction you want to prevent the scars. P Afra will ramify nicely as well. So you can prune back branches and get them to divide and again and again.